Program Overview

State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificate of Specialization - Outdoor Learning Environments, Certificate of Completion

The State Early Childhood Education Short Certificates of Specialization provide early childhood educators with the option to choose out of five focused areas of study. Each certificate consists of the State Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate, the Child Development course, and the specialized area of interest. The Short Certificates of Specialization align with the general staff qualification education requirements for staff interested in lead teacher positions in childcare centers or for leading a family home childcare facility.

The State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificate of Specialization - Outdoor Learning Environments prepares early childhood educators to design and implement nature-based, outdoor learning environments for young children. This certificate aligns with the general staff qualification education requirements for staff interested in lead teacher positions in childcare centers or for leading a family home childcare facility. All of the classes in this certificate apply towards the AAS in Early Childhood Education at LWTech.

Outdoor Learning Environments Certificate graduates will:

• describe the benefits of outdoor learning environments (OLE) for all children birth-8 years, including disabilities and recognize the OLE as a place where development is encouraged
• explain the benefits of OLE and how OLE can positively impact children as well as practice conversational skills to advocate for OLE to parents and administrators
• create a plan for an OLE that supports all children’s learning
• identify and practice teaching strategies that can be used in the OLE
• explore and describe personal comfort level with outdoor experiences and risk-taking and describe the value of risk-taking as it pertains to children’s learning and development
• demonstrate strategies for supporting children’s risk-taking and learning in the outdoor learning environment

Program Requirements

• Quarter One
  • ECED& 105 Intro to Early Childhood Education 5 credits
  • ECED& 107 Health/Safety/Nutrition 5 credits
  • ECED& 120 Practicum - Nurturing Relationships 2 credits
• Quarter Two
  • EDUC& 115 Child Development 5 credits
  • ECED& 137 Outdoor Learning Environments 3 credits

Total Program Credits: 20